Water-soluble foliar nutritional fertilizer and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A method of promoting bud break uniformity and shoot vigor in deciduous trees and vines is shown. The method comprising applying an effective amount of a composition comprising nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elements including iron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof. A composition for application to deciduous trees and vines is also shown. The composition comprises an enhancing effective amount of nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elements including iron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims the benefit, under Title 35, United States Code§119(e), of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/638,890filed Dec. 22, 2004.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” (SEE 37 CFR 1.96)

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention provides methods and compositions for promoting bud breakuniformity and shoot vigor in deciduous trees and vines. The methodsinvolve application of compositions comprising nitrogen includingammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium,boron, copper and trace elements including iron, manganese and zinc byspray or in tank mixes containing pesticides.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is known in the art to provide methods and compositions for improvingcrop yield. U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,467 discloses a method that involvesapplication of auxins such as indole-3-acetamide and/or tyrptamine toplants, either as a soil amendment or a foliar spray.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,614,203 discloses use of plant extract in a pesticidewherein a suitable plant extract is made from seaweed, such ashydrolyzed kelp.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a new, novel and unique method ofpromoting bud break uniformity and shoot vigor in deciduous trees andvines. The composition, in the preferred embodiment, is in the form of acomposition for application to deciduous trees and vines and comprisesabout 8% nitrogen and about 5% soluble potash. The composition maycomprise nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen,soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elements includingiron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

A method is disclosed comprising the step of applying to deciduous treesand vines an effective amount of a composition comprising nitrogenincluding ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash,calcium, boron, copper and trace elements including iron, manganese andzinc and a combination thereof. The composition comprises an enhancingeffective amount of nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitratenitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elementsincluding iron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

The composition may include a bio regulator such as plant extractpreferably seaweed. The seaweed is mixed with the composition comprisingnitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, solublepotash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elements including iron,manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

None of the known prior art devices anticipate, disclose, suggest orteach a method of promoting bud break uniformity and shoot vigor indeciduous trees and vines wherein the method comprising applying aneffective amount of a composition comprising nitrogen includingammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium,boron, copper and trace elements including iron, manganese and zinc anda combination thereof.

None of the known prior art devices anticipate, disclose, suggest orteach a composition comprising nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogenand nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and traceelements including iron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

Therefore, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide amethod and composition in the form of a water-soluble nutritionalfertilizer of macro-micronutrients. The water-soluble nutritionalfertilizer is designed for application one (1) to three (3) weeks inadvance of expected bud break and may be applied alone or in tank mixescontaining pesticides.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the imprinting deviceof the present invention has an attachment element which can be fixedlyattached or removeably attached to a surface of a substrate and theattachment element has an exterior surface defining an imprinting memberhaving a predetermined image which is configured to be printed onto asurface, such as for example, a selective area on the skin of a person.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the water-solublenutritional fertilizer is a nutritional supplement to a regularfertilizer program.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a solution of thecomposition can be formed comprising about 5 ounces to about 6 ounces ofcomposition of claim 14 per 100 gallons of water.

Another advantage of the present invention is that a solution of thecomposition can be formed comprising about 5 ounces to about 6 ounces ofcomposition of claim 14 per 100 gallons of water with up to up to 100gallons of additional water.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the composition maybe mixed with a plant extract, preferably seaweed wherein the seaweedfunctions as a bio regulator having nutritive qualities which furtheract to accelerate plant growth including bud break uniformity throughfoliar feeding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The present invention will become more fully understood from thefollowing detailed description of a preferred but non-limitingembodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the method of using the composition insolution; and

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the method of using the composition insolution using a plant extract such as seaweed as a bio regulator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Background

A specialized need has developed for a water-soluble foliar nutritionalfertilizer to promote early shoot vigor, more uniform bloom and fruitset in grapes and deciduous trees. In the preferred use of the methodand composition of the present invention, is based on application of thecomposition one (1) to three (3) weeks in advance of expected bud break.

The preferred method of application is by spraying alone. However, thecomposition may be used in mixing tank mixes containing pesticides.

The teachings of the present invention provide such a person as a growerwith the ability to enhance production from crops such as grapes.

One important factor which effects the efficacy of using the novel andunique composition and method is that the minimum chill hours for thecrops must be meet.

Water-Soluble Foliar Nutritional Composition and Method

The composition of FIG. 1 is a water-soluble foliar nutritionalfertilizer of macro-and micronutrients for deciduous trees and vines,such as for example, grapes. It is designed for application one (1) tothree (3) weeks in advance of expected bud break and may be appliedalone or in tank mixes containing pesticides. When use of thecomposition is to be included in an unfamiliar mix, a compatibility testis usually recommended.

The water-soluble foliar nutritional fertilizer is a nutritionalsupplement to a regular fertilizer program and will not supply the totalnutrients required by a crop.

In its preferred use, the composition is a nutritional supplement usedto promote bud break uniformity and shoot vigor and deciduous trees andvines. The composition must be used in combination with a surfactantbreak-thru, which are well known in the art.

The composition of FIG. 1 is effectively used to promote early shootvigor, more uniform bloom and fruit set in grapes and deciduous trees.The composition is used with a non-ionic surfactant/penetrant break thruat a preferred rate of 5 ounces to 6 ounces per 100 gallons of water.

When the composition is applied by the method of a directed spray, thevolumes should not exceed 200 gallons per acre. Uniform spray coverageof bud material is required for good performance and should be appliedone (1) to three (3) weeks in advance of expected bud break.

Since compressed bloom can occur with the use of the composition of FIG.1, growers or users are advised to have hives in orchards prior toinitiation of bloom to insure adequate pollination. Compressed bloom andfruit set can also exacerbate nutritional deficiencies. This can beovercome by use of a fertility-monitoring program.

Use of the composition and method of the present invention is not asubstitute for chill hours required by the crop or plant. The desireduniformity in bloom and fruit set will not occur using the compositionof the present invention unless minimum chill hours are met.

FIG. 2 is a blocked diagram showing the steps of the method forpreparing and using the composition of the present invention. Therequired amount of composition described in FIG. 1 is added to ahalf-tank of water and is mixed well before adding the surfactantbreak-thru or a compatible chemical. If the composition is mixed withpesticides, the mixture should not be stored. Preferably, thecomposition is used immediately after mixing. Preferably, thecomposition should be sprayed as soon as possible after mixing onto thedesired crops.

The composition illustrated in FIG. 1 has a net weight of 12.60 poundsper gallon (1.51 kilograms per litre).

A method of promoting bud break uniformity and shoot vigor in deciduoustrees and vines is disclosed and taught by the present invention. Themethod comprises applying an effective amount of a compositioncomprising nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen,soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elements includingiron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof on the crop or plantmaterial to be treated. The method of promoting bud break uniformity andshoot vigor in deciduous trees and vines comprises applying an effectiveamount of nitrogen selected from the group consisting of ammoniacalnitrogen and nitrate nitrogen and a combination thereof.

In its preferred use, the composition is applied at the one (1) to three(3) weeks in advance of expected bud break. The composition is appliedat a concentration of between about 5 ounces to about 6 ounces per 100gallons of water.

Preferably, the method of uses the composition in the step of sprayingthe plants, crops or deciduous trees to be treated. Alternatively, themethod may use the composition in tank mixes. The composition may beapplied by use of tank mixes containing pesticides. The method andcomposition can be used for plant comprising deciduous trees and vines.

In the preferred embodiment, the composition comprises nitrogen is 8%,potassium 0% and potash 5% by weight.

The composition for application to deciduous trees and vines maycomprise a composition of about 8% nitrogen and about 5% soluble potash.

The composition comprising nitrogen may include ammoniacal nitrogen andnitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and traceelements including iron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

In the preferred embodiment, the composition for application todeciduous trees and vines comprises an enhancing effective amount ofnitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, solublepotash, calcium, boron, copper and trace elements including iron,manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.

In FIG. 1, the block diagram shows a method of for using the compositionin solution. A composition shown as 10 is prepared as discussed herein.The composition is hydrated with a fluid from a source of fluid 12, suchas water, to form a solution. The solution may be mixed with non-ionicsurfactant/penetrant shown as 18 that are well known in the art.

The solution is then used by sprayers shown as 20, e.g. sprayers, on byin-tank mixers for varying the concentration of the solution shown by22. The concentration per acre can be controlled by the density of thesolution in the in-tank mixers 22.

In FIG. 2, a block diagram shows an alternate method of using thecomposition in solution using a plant extract such as seaweed as a bioregulator.

A composition shown as 40 is prepared as discussed herein. A plantextract 42, such as seaweed, is added to the composition 40. Thecomposition 40 and plant extract 42 are hydrated with a fluid from asource of fluid 46, such as water, to form a solution 50. The solutionis then used for spraying or in-tank mixers as shown by box 52.

The plant extract may comprise a plant extract having nutritivequalities which further act to accelerate plant growth including budbreak uniformity through foliar feeding. The preferred plant extract isseaweed. Examples of seaweed used for practicing this invention is suchas hydrolyzed and macrocystis pyrifera. An acceptable seaweed extract isa CITROPLEX brand bio regular. In practicing this invention, about 12ounces per acre to about 16 ounces per acre of CITROPLEX brand bioregular may be added to a solution of a selected concentration toincrease the efficacy of the solution to improve the “bud break” oftreated deciduous trees and vines.

EXAMPLES

The following is an example of the preferred composition for practicingthis invention:

Example 1

Element Percentage by Weight Total Nitrogen   8% 0.42% ammoniacal 7.58%Nitrate Nitrogen Soluble Potash (K₂O) 5.00% Calcium (Ca)  8.0% Copper(Cu) 0.05% 0.05% Chelated Copper Iron (Fe) 0.10% 0.10% Chelated IronManganese (Mn) 0.10% Zinc (Zn) 0.30% 0.30% Chelated Zinc

Derived from calcium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, boric acid,copper EDTA, iron EDTA manganese, Zinc EDTA and potassium nitrate.

The following are examples of methods for using the composition of thepresent invention.

Example 2

A composition is prepared using the elements set forth in Example 1 orvariations thereof as is apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thecomposition is hydrated with water in a ratio of about 5 ounces to about6 ounces of composition per 100 gallons of water to form a concentratedsolution. The solution having the composition is applied to deciduoustrees and vines preferably at one to three weeks in advance of expectedbud break with the maximum advanced application time being about 30days.

The solution is hand applied to the plants at the rate of 1 gallon peracre. The effective rate is about 80%. The effective rate is determinedby sampling at the time of bud break the number of deciduous trees andvines to which the solution was applied and comparing the same to thetotal number of deciduous trees and vines to which the solution wasoriginally applied.

Example 3

A composition is prepared using the elements set forth in Example 1 orvariations thereof as is apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thecomposition is hydrated with water in a ratio of about 5 ounces to about6 ounces of composition per 100 gallons of water to form a concentratedsolution. The solution having the composition is applied to deciduoustrees and vines preferably at one to three weeks in advance of expectedbud break with the maximum advanced application time being about 30days.

The solution is applied to the plants using conventionally spayingequipment at the rate of 5 gallons per acre. The effective rate is 20%.The effective rate is determined by sampling at the time of bud breakthe number of deciduous trees and vines to which the solution wasapplied and comparing the same to the total number of deciduous treesand vines to which the solution was originally applied.

Example 4

A composition is prepared using the elements set forth in Example 1 orvariations thereof as is apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thecomposition is hydrated with water in a ratio of about 5 ounces to about6 ounces of composition per 100 gallons of water to form a concentratedsolution. The solution having the composition is applied to deciduoustrees and vines preferably at one to three weeks in advance of expectedbud break with the maximum advanced application time being about 30days.

The solution is applied to the plants using conventionally sprayingequipment having special nozzle assemblies directing the solutiondirectly onto the plants at the rate of 15 gallons per acre. Theeffective rate is 40%. The effective rate is determined by sampling atthe time of bud break the number of deciduous trees and vines to whichthe solution was applied and comparing the same to the total number ofdeciduous trees and vines to which the solution was originally applied.

Example 5

A composition is prepared using the elements set forth in Example 1 orvariations thereof as is apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thecomposition is hydrated with water in a ratio of about 5 ounces to about6 ounces of composition per 100 gallons of water to form a concentratedsolution. The solution having the composition is applied to deciduoustrees and vines preferably at one to three weeks in advance of expectedbud break with the maximum advanced application time being about 30days.

Seaweed comprising CITROPLEX brand bio regular was added to the solutionat the rate of about 12 ounces per acre to be treated forming a bioenhanced solution. The bio enhanced solution was applied to deciduoustrees and vines 30 days before bud break.

The solution was hand applied directly onto the plants at the rate of 15gallons per acre. The effective rate is about 85%. The effective rate isdetermined by sampling at the time of bud break the number of deciduoustrees and vines to which the solution was applied and comparing the sameto the total number of deciduous trees and vines to which the solutionwas originally applied.

Example 6

A composition is prepared using the elements set forth in Example 1 orvariations thereof as is apparent to persons skilled in the art. Thecomposition is hydrated with water in a ratio of about 5 ounces to about6 ounces of composition per 100 gallons of water to form a concentratedsolution. The solution having the composition is applied to deciduoustrees and vines preferably at one to three weeks in advance of expectedbud break with the maximum advanced application time being about 30days.

Seaweed comprising CITROPLEX brand bio regular was added to the solutionat the rate of about 16 ounces per acre to be treated forming a bioenhanced solution. The bio enhanced solution was applied to deciduoustrees and vines 30 days before bud break. The solution hand applieddirectly onto the plants at the rate of 15 gallons per acre. Theeffective rate is slightly greater than about 85%. The effective rate isdetermined by sampling at the time of bud break the number of deciduoustrees and vines to which the solution was applied and comparing the sameto the total number of deciduous trees and vines to which the solutionwas originally applied.

Application Methods

Generally, hand application of a solution comprising the composition andwater, either with or without a bio regulator, is the most efficientmethod of application as a significant portion of the solution isapplied directly onto the plants for foliar feeding.

In commercial operations, using standard spraying equipment, theeffective rate is reduced primarily due to the fact that standardspraying equipment applies the solution to plants, weeds and soil andnot enough of the solution is applied to the plants to obtainsignificant efficacy rates.

In large commercial operations, the standard spraying equipment isadapted with special nozzles for applying a greater portion of thesolution onto the plants as opposed to the portion of the solutionapplied to weeds and soil. Depending on the nozzle designs, the densityof solution per acre and the efficiency to which a larger portion of thesolution can be applied to the plants, efficacy rates in the range of50% to 60% or more can be achieved. The use of a bio regular in thesolution helps increase the effective rate.

Preferably, the maximum volume of solution should not exceed 200 gallonsper acre.

A solution of the composition of Example 1 for hand spraying can beformed comprising about 5 ounces to about 6 ounces of composition per100 gallons of water.

A dilution of a solution of the composition of Example 1 for equipmentspraying can be formed comprising about 5 ounces to about 6 ounces ofcomposition per 100 gallons of water with up to up to 100 gallons ofadditional water.

The nozzles having specifically designed controlled flow patterns forplants and in-tank systems using higher concentrations of solutions peracre as additional techniques available for increasing efficacy.

It is envisioned that the method and composition may be used forapplications other than deciduous trees and vines. However, use of thecomposition and method has proven to be effective for grapes.

This invention may be used in substantially the configuration of thepreferred embodiment or of the disclosed alternate embodiments orvariations thereof. It will be appreciated that various alterations andmodifications may be made to imprinting device to enhance the functionalcharacteristics thereof. All such variations and modifications should beconsidered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadlyhereinbefore described and as claimed hereafter.

All such uses, variations, modifications and the like are anticipated tobe within the scope of this invention.

1. A method of promoting bud break uniformity and shoot vigor indeciduous trees and vines, the method comprising applying an effectiveamount of a composition comprising nitrogen including ammoniacalnitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copperand trace elements including iron, manganese and zinc and a combinationthereof.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the composition is applied atthe one to three weeks in advance of expected bud break.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the composition is applied at a concentration ofbetween about 5 ounces to about 6 ounces per 100 gallons of water. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is applied by spraying tothe plants.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition is appliedby in tank mixers.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition isapplied by in tank mixers containing pesticides.
 7. The method of claim1, wherein the composition of nitrogen is 8% by weight.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the plant is deciduous trees and vines.
 9. Acomposition comprising nitrogen including ammoniacal nitrogen andnitrate nitrogen, soluble potash, calcium, boron, copper and traceelements including iron, manganese and zinc and a combination thereof.10. The composition of claim 9 wherein the composition comprises about8% nitrogen and about 5% soluble potash, by weight.
 11. The compositionof claim 10 wherein the composition further comprises about 5% SolublePotash (K₂O), by weight.
 12. The composition of claim 11 wherein thecomposition further comprises about 8% Calcium (Ca), by weight.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 12 wherein the composition further comprises about0.05% Chelated Copper (Cu), by weight.
 14. The composition of claim 13wherein the composition further comprises about 0.10% Chelated Iron(Fe), by weight.
 15. The composition of claim 14 wherein the compositionfurther comprises about 0.10% Manganese (Mn), by weight.
 16. Thecomposition of claim 15 wherein the composition further comprises about0.30% Chelated Zinc (Zn), by weight.
 17. In combination, a compositionfor application to deciduous trees and vines, the composition comprisinga productivity enhancing effective amount of nitrogen, soluble potash,calcium, boron, copper and trace elements including iron, manganese andzinc and a combination thereof; and a plant extract bio regulator. 18.The combination of claim 17 wherein the plant extract is seaweed.
 19. Amethod for treating plants to obtain uniform bud break comprising thesteps of preparing a fertilizer of claim 9; preparing a solution usingthe fertilizer and water in a predetermined concentration for treatingplants to control bud break; and spraying the plants with the solutionat least thirty days prior to expected bud break to obtain substantiallyuniform bud break of the treated plants.
 20. The method of claim 19wherein the step of spraying includes hand spraying of the plants. 21.The method of claim 19 wherein the step of spraying includes equipmentspraying of the plants.
 22. The method of claim 19 wherein the step ofspraying includes equipment spraying include flow pattern controlnozzles having designed controlled flow patterns for plants forconcentrating spraying of the solution onto the plants.